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MATCH RECAP: New York Red Bulls U-18 (2) vs. Orlando City (1)

SANFORD, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2016) – The New York Red Bulls U-18 recorded its first win of the New Year with a preseason victory over Orlando City, 2-1. It was a reduced game of two 35-minute halves as the U-18s concluded its week of preseason training in Florida.

The Red Bulls started the game strongly, but it was Orlando City who opened the scoring in the 16th minute to head into the break with the advantage, 1-0.

The Red Bulls U-18 showed character after a tough week of training and was rewarded for their sustained pressure in the second half with two late goals.

The equalizer came in the 67th minute from Ryan Mingachos, who was played in with a chipped pass from Kevin O’Toole after good build-up play in the midfield. Mingachos kept his composure, lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to put the Red Bulls back on level terms.

New York pushed for winner in the late stages of the match and found the game-winner in the final minute. A corner from Samad Bounthong was handled inside Orlando City penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot to give the Red Bulls a chance to win the game with a penalty kick. Jared Gilbey stepped up to the spot, calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and converted the penalty kick to win the game for the Red Bulls.

“It was a great way to end what was a great week of preseason down here in Orlando,” Man of the Match Ryan Mingachos. “All the hard work and effort put forth by the team throughout this week paid off and it showed during the game. It was a great win and great team effort, but there is still much to improve and a lot of work to do before we start the season in March.”

The Red Bulls U-18 team will now return home to resume their preseason preparation at the Red Bulls Training Facility.